St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-12-31

cations of the island and on the main lanu
were of a formidable character, ana SO con-
,tructed that the gunboats could not come
within range of one without being subjected
to a concentrated fire from the others.
On the morning of March 1G the lombard
ment was begun at distance of two miles
and half, and it continued day after day
for three weeks. Tons of iron were hurled
into the Confederate works. but without pro-
lucing any apparent impression. On the lst
Of April Gen. Beauregard telesraphed to the
war department at Richmond that the bonn
bardment had continued fifteen days, in
which time the enemy had thrown o,Ooo
shells, expanding about 100000 pounds OF
powder, with the result OF one man KILLED.
and none seriously wounded. Livery day."
saws a southern history of the war, "the NOR
tars continued to boom and the cannon OF
the island replied with dull, sullen roar,
wasting shot and temper alike. The very
birds became accustomed to the artltlclal
thunder, and alighted upon the branches OF
the trees overhanging the mortars in the sui
phurous smoke" 1t is only necessary for one
10 realize tho sublime poetry Of war to I'M
agine dozen of these monsters laundering ut
once, the air filled with smoke clouds, the
gunboats belching out destruction, the shells
screaming through the air with unearthly
sounds, and the distant guns of the enemy
sending their solid shot above and around the
island dashing the water up in glistening col
umns and jets of spray.
Finding that it was impossible to capture
The position with artillery, Gen. Halleck or
dered Gen. Pope to ascertain if it were posi-
BILE to construct a road along the western
bank Of the river through the swamps and
erect batteries opposite the island that could
cooperate with the feet. The Federal en-
sneers declared that the plan was not FEAST
BILE, whereupon a Union resident Of New
Madrid suggested that steamboat canal
might be cut across the promontory. The
thought was at once adopted, and steamers
and light draught boats were sent down
from Cairo with the necessary implements
20 prosecute the work. The distance to be
sraversed by the canal was twelve miles; its
width was to be fifty feet and its depth not
less than four and half feet. One-half of
Its length was to be cut through heavy tim
ber The remainder of the canal ran
through stagnant, swampy bayous filed with
tangled brush. This nerculean labor" says
Gen. Pope "was prosecuted with untiring
HtDOE aIu uSCSI EJCSui tlLA
privations very unusual even in the history
Of warfare"
RUNNING A GAUNTLET OF FIRE.
At last, on the 4th of April, the canal was
p3en and ready for use. Light transports
could pass through, but there was not depth
Of water enough for the gunboats, and it was
evident that the river could not be crossed
without the protection Of the ironclads. 1t
was accordingly determined to take the terri
bic risk of running the batteries, and the
yunboat Carondeet, Capt. Walker, was
chosen Us the pioneer The boat was
strengthened by every contrivance that could
90 devised. The most vulnerable parts were
shielded with rolls OF surplus chains, the
decks were covered with layer of heavy
planks, and q large hawser was wound
around the pilot house up to the window.
The crew were provided with hand grenades,
and hose for throwing hot water were at
1ached to the boilers for the purpose of re-
oelling boarders. A large coal barge laden
with compact bundles Of hay was also taken
in tow on the side exposed to the batteries.
The machinery was SO adjusted as to permit
;he escape Of steam through the wheelhouse
and thus avoid the usual putting in its pas
sage through the pipes. The night was all
chat could be desired; the atmosphere hazy
and the start was made. For the first half
mile all went well. Suddenly the SCOT in the
rhimneys took fire and the fame in their tops
aroused the Confederate encampments. Sig
nal rockets were instantly sent up, the long
roll sounded, and one of the batteries opened
on the dim apparition drifting by, almost
within point blank range. Shot now followed
shot in rapid volleys from more than hun
hred guns, and further concealrnent being
out Of the question orders were given to the
engineers to drive the boat with all possible
speed. As if the hand Of Providence were
directing, a storm now burst in all its fury
and amid vivid flashes of lightning and peals
Of thunder, through rain and darkness and